residents call for action to be taken
RESIDENTS of Mocha Arcadia, East Bank Demerara have called on Government to take action against the large number of abandoned houses in the community, which they believe can serve as a hide-out for criminals.

The issue was raised by residents during a farmers’ meeting on February 23 with Minister of Agriculture Robert Persaud.

The residents explained that over the years several houses were built in the area, which is a vast agricultural community, and were subsequently abandoned by their owners.

The issue has since become a serious security concern since it is believed that criminals could seek refuge in the houses, not only because they are abandoned, but due to their distant location in the farmlands.

Calls were made for action to be taken to repossess the lands from the owners and dismantle the houses or allow other persons to occupy the buildings.

Residents expressed grave concern over the situation and made reference to an earlier incident where one of the houses was used as a hide-out for two runaway teenagers from West Coast Berbice.

Minister Persaud advised that a meeting be held with the owners of the houses, the Community Policing Group, the Police and Ministry of Home Affairs to address the issue.